Richmond, Va.-Richmond Flying Squirrels Charities, in conjunction with the Richmond City Parks and Recreation department, are pleased to announce the official launch of the inaugural Smooch-A-Pig fundraising campaign. The Smooch-A-Pig campaign begins March 25th and incorporates 10 Richmond celebrity candidates and community leaders in a variety of fundraising tactics. The objective is to raise significant funds for "Operation Renovation", an impactful community project designed to renovate 12 Richmond City youth baseball facilities (specific facilities listed below). The celebrity candidates (also listed below) will campaign in an effort to raise funds from March 25th to July 17th. The "winner" (whoever raises the most money) will smooch Parker the Rally Pig at home plate prior to the Flying Squirrels game on July 17th.

"This is our most involved and ambitious community endeavor to date," said Squirrels' Vice President & COO Todd "Parney" Parnell. "These community leaders have stepped up to assist in the much needed renovation of 12 Richmond City Youth facilities. This is phase one of a four year plan to raise $750,000 for these fields and to revitalize youth baseball within the area."

The four phases for Operation Renovation are projected as follows: Phase 1- build 24 dugouts on 12 designated youth baseball fields in Richmond; Phase 2 - improve these same playing fields; Phase 3 - develop the Henderson Complex into a Little League Complex, including the concessions building; Phase 4- recover and renovate unused fields as demands dictate.

The Smooch-A-Pig campaign will direct donors and constituents to a secure, dedicated, SSL certified website to collect contributions. Donors will then have the option to choose which Smooch-A-Pig campaign participant they would like to support. Proceeds, regardless of which candidate they are donated through, go directly to Operation Renovation. Additionally, a Celebrity Big Gloves Boxing Match will be held at The Diamond on May 17th. One match already set on the event card features the top two Flying Squirrels executives, Chuck "Dukin" Domino vs.Todd "Parney" Parnell. Tickets are just $10 and will be available for purchase online or through the Flying Squirrels Box Office in advance of the event.

The celebratory 5th season of Flying Squirrels baseball begins April 10th at The Diamond. Single-game tickets, mini plans, season tickets and group packages for the 2014 season of Flying Squirrels baseball are available by contacting the box office at 804-359-3866 or online at squirrelsbaseball.com.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.